Friends of ACT UP/East Bay founder John Iversen, who died October 1 after experiencing a massive stroke, will hold a get-together Sunday, November 11, at 2 p.m. at King Yen Restaurant, 2995 College Avenue in Berkeley.
Mr. Iversen, 69, a gay man, fought with health insurance companies over coverage for people living with HIV/AIDS after his own diagnosis in 1986. He started ACT UP/East Bay in 1989 and Berkeley's needle exchange program a year later. At that time, syringe exchange was illegal.
He advocated for AIDS housing programs in the East Bay and worked as a part-time aide for the late Berkeley City Councilwoman Maudelle Shirek.
Mr. Iversen also organized demonstrations against Bayer Corp. over the bloated price of live-saving medications and against restrictive government and corporate AIDS policies.
Organizers of next month's memorial said they are ordering family-style food and people are asked to chip in between $25-$30 per person. Those interested in attending should email [email protected] by November 1 with how many people are coming and any dietary restrictions.
A formal memorial for Mr. Iversen is being planned for spring.
To read the Bay Area Reporter's obituary, go to https://www.ebar.com/news/news/266583.